How To Get Active With Your Kids

As the weather starts to cool down and kids head back to school, it can be difficult to encourage your family to stay active. So how do you keep them moving after school and on the weekends to help them continue to develop healthy habits? We’ve compiled some tips on how you and your children can be active, even when it’s not sunny outside.

Have a dance party

Put on your kids’ favorite music, and dance! Dancing is an excellent way to work up a sweat, and you can do it right from the comfort of your living room. This is a perfect rainy day activity for when your kids want to play, but don’t want to go outside.

Go for a bike ride

Whether you’re heading to the farmers’ market or you just want to get out of the house, taking a family bike ride is a great alternative to getting in the car, especially if your destination isn’t very far away. Make sure everyone has the proper helmets, pack some water and healthy snacks for a longer trip, and enjoy the fresh air.

Take part in a fun run

Many communities hold family-friendly fun runs throughout the year. Find a local run (your neighborhood running store can be a good resource for this) and get the whole family involved. Many organizations will offer multiple runs of varying lengths, so children can run a shorter, age-appropriate distance. This is an especially popular activity around Thanksgiving, so keep a lookout for a Turkey Trot near you!

Get out in the yard

Enlist kids to help with yard chores like gardening or raking leaves. See who can make the biggest leaf pile, and have fun jumping into it together.

Change it up

Instead of watching TV, playing sedentary video games or going to the movies during the weekend, choose a more physical activity, like laser tag, bowling or mini golf. Your kids will still be entertained, but they’ll also get their heart rates up and incorporate more movement into their day.

Don’t stop there! Be sure to check out this post from Bowflex Insider Contributor Rachel Weingarten for ways you can also eat better as a family as your kids head back to school.